Six of the best-kept secrets in the Rocky Mountain National Park

It doesn’t matter if you’re visiting in the spring, summer, or snow-laden winter months, the Rocky Mountain National Park is a true perennial delight. Whether you’re a nature-lover or a thrill-seeker, there’s always somewhere - or something - new to experience here at any time of the year; some of which happen to be a little more of a secret than others.

Uncover the hidden alpine charms of Colorado

If you’re planning a visit to Colorado and its spectacular national parks, here are six of the best-kept secrets in the Rocky Mountains that you’ll want to add straight onto your ‘must-see’ list.

Moraine Park

A vast expanse of open land carved out by glaciers many thousands of years ago, Moraine Park is a haven for wildlife. A beautiful spot to enjoy a full day of hiking along its many trails - Mill Creek Basin and Fern Falls offer some particularly spectacular scenery - there’s always something new to discover as you make your way through the park’s undisturbed wilderness.

Blanketed by swathes of wildflowers and fringed by towering, fragrant pines, this stunning park offers a blissful escape from the bustle of Colorado’s ski resorts. To get there, it’s a quick 15-minute drive from the pretty alpine town of Estes Park and just under three hours from Breckenridge.

Spirit Lake

A challenging 16-mile trek along East Inlet Trailhead on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park will eventually lead you to the placid waters of Spirit Lake. Hidden among tall, towering pines, this mesmerising alpine lake offers the perfect rest stop after a strenuous hike through the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains.

You won’t find any day tours taking visitors to Spirit Lake - the sheer distance of the six to nine hour trek is a little too much for most - but that can only be good news for those who like to roam away from the beaten track and well-trodden tourist trails.

Kawuneeche Valley

Discover the wild beauty of Kawuneeche Valley along the Coyote Valley Trail, a gentle mile-long hike alongside the Colorado River. Teeming with wildlife in every season, the green pastures of Coyote Valley are home to herds of moose, elk, and deer - while golden eagles and osprey are often seen soaring overhead. This family-friendly trail is perfect for bringing a picnic bag along, with plenty of scenic rest stops to enjoy a tasty lunch together along the way.

With the steady rushing sounds of the river as your only distraction, it’s hard to imagine that the highways and skyrises of Denver are just a two-hour drive away.